R.I.P Western Black Rhinos

The brutality and indifference of humankind has once again caused a casualty in the animal world.

Today, the Western Black Rhino was declared extinct.

The Western Black Rhino, now extinct may just be the first of many Rhino species to disappear

The Western Black Rhino was a subspecies of the Black Rhino. It was last spotted in 2006; however the latest report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has confirmed that the rhino is extinct.

If that's not bad enough, the Western Black Rhino might not be the last to go. The African Northern White Rhino, the Javan Rhino (as few as 35 remain), and the Sumatran Rhino (possibly as few as 100 left) are all in serious trouble.

Rhinos are poached for their horns even though this practice is illegal. The horns are then sold to be used in Asian medicine under false promises of a cure for cancer and a cure for hangovers. This is extremely stupid and this is why: To begin with, Rhino horn doesn't cure anything. Second, Rhino horn is made of a substance called Keratin. This scientificish word may sound familiar to you because it is also the same exact substance that makes up your hair and nails. Putting Rhino horn in medicine is the equivalent to chewing on your hair or finger nails, except you're paying a lot of money to do it while also driving an amazing and beautiful species to extinction.

What's really sad about this whole ordeal is the extinction of the Western Black Rhino could have been prevented. There were suggested conservation efforts, yet none of them were ever put into play. Although it's too late for the poor Western Black Rhino, it's not too late to save the other rhino species who are facing the same fate. Conservation efforts need to be encouraged and followed through with quickly in order to avoid another horrible case like this.


For more information about the Western Black Rhino and other IUCN endangered species, check out this link: 
"Western Black Rhino is officially extinct and the Northern White and Javan rhinos will follow unless something is done, conservationists warn"

For more information on these endangered rhino species plus more along with conservation information and ways to help visit this link: 

World Wildlife Fund Rhino Information